Rockies finalize one-year deal with Olivo

DENVER — Yorvit Torrealba’s time with the Rockies is over. After unable to reach terms on a two-year contract, the club moved on Monday, signing free agent Miguel Olivo to a one-year deal with a club option.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed, though he’s likely to receive roughly $3 million in guaranteed money.

“Miguel adds experience, depth and leadership to an important position on our club,” said Rockies general manager Dan O’Dowd in a club press release. “We are excited to add another player of character to our team.”

All signs pointed toward this last week after the Rockies increased their pursuit of Olivo. He hit 23 home runs last season with the Royals in 390 at-bats, and will compete with Chris Iannetta for the starting job. Olivo doesn’t walk much, but brings power, totaling 43 extra-base hits in 2009.

It appeared last month that the Rockies would bring back Torrealba, but the sides were unable to finish off talks. After bridging the gap on the amount of money — the club agreed to $6 million over two years — the discussions fell apart on how the contract would be allocated. The Rockies wanted Torrealba to have a lower base salary with a $750,000 buyout while Torrealba preferred higher base salaries and $250,000 buyout.

How many times did Olivo STRIKE OUT in those 390 at-bats?126.Yes, he struck out once for every three times he had an official at-bat. On in three, people. That's horrible.How many times did he walk? 19 times. In 409 times at the plate (not including if he got hit by pitches). That means he only walks once every 21 times at the plate. Pretty horrible.Also, get this….he's been suspended by MLB FIVE TIMES in his career. FIVE. I'd love to know more about this part of his resume. Looks like the Rockies just acquired a hothead.This signing stinks to high heaven.

Ryan

This makes no sense. So we guarantee Olivo $3 Million, but $500K in two years is what set Yorvit on his way? Surely there has to be more to this story.Why pay Olivo $3 million a year, but not Yorvit, when Yorvit is clearly the better player. Can someone please explain this one???

Geoff

This pickup has me nervous: judging from his stats, Olivo had his career year last year. Do the Rox need another strikeout-prone bat in the #7 or #8 spot, where so many rallies went to die last season?

Steve

Everyone needs to chill out. Olivo is going to provide a great backup spot when Ianetta needs a break, because in all likelihood Chris is going to play 120+ games behind the plate. Torrealba's leadership can't be questioned, but it only goes so far when you also have guys like Helton and Tulowitzki on the team. They can handle that. His catching “skills” calling a game? Overrated. Torrealba's arm? Horrible. It was a good signing… Torrealba is a good team player and his time with the team was appreciated, but he's a dispensable role player who wanted more than he was worth.

Tim

That's a serious downgrade. Just great. Now Morales, Jimenez, and DLR will suffer from not having their guy behind the plate. I could care less about 23 home runs. The dude is a walkign, talking strikeout.Boo.

Geoff

This pickup has me nervous: judging from his stats, Olivo had his career year last year. Do the Rox need another strikeout-prone bat in the #7 or #8 spot, where so many rallies went to die last season?

Steve

Everyone needs to chill out. Olivo is going to provide a great backup spot when Ianetta needs a break, because in all likelihood Chris is going to play 120+ games behind the plate. Torrealba's leadership can't be questioned, but it only goes so far when you also have guys like Helton and Tulowitzki on the team. They can handle that. His catching “skills” calling a game? Overrated. Torrealba's arm? Horrible. It was a good signing… Torrealba is a good team player and his time with the team was appreciated, but he's a dispensable role player who wanted more than he was worth.

Tim

That's a serious downgrade. Just great. Now Morales, Jimenez, and DLR will suffer from not having their guy behind the plate. I could care less about 23 home runs. The dude is a walkign, talking strikeout.Boo.

Patrick, a third-generation Colorado native, is back for his second stint covering the Rockies. He first covered the team from 2005-2009, helping chronicle “Rocktober” in 2007 and also following the team’s playoff run in 2009.

Nick Groke has worked at The Denver Post since 1997, as a sports reporter, city reporter, entertainment writer and digital editor and producer, among other newsroom posts. He also writes regularly about boxing, soccer, MMA and NASCAR.